First 2011 Chevrolet Volts left the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant

After a 90-day evaluation period involving pre-production units, the first batch of Chevrolet Volt EVs finally shipped in December 2010 to the first 350 buyers of Chevrolet’s innovative electric vehicle. From the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, the initial units found their way to customers who pre-ordered the Volt in the states of California, Texas, Washington D.C. and New York.

The official release of the Chevrolet Volt follows after an earlier vehicle and charging evaluation program. The program involved pre-production units shipped to EV fans and technology enthusiasts to try out an actual application for 90 days.

The participants of the program were the first individuals to experience the capabilities of the Volt, which boasts of a significant driving range of 379 miles. This driving range is made possible by the pairing of a gasoline engine and a battery-powered electric motor.

This propulsion system makes the Volt the ideal next-generation vehicle for use in long-distance driving, and saves drivers a lot of money that will otherwise be spent on fuel. Tony DiSalle, who heads the marketing department for the Volt, hailed the delivery of the first production models of the Volt as a “historic milestone.”

DiSalle added that the first customers will now be able to experience what it’s like to go on a long trip without having to gas up along the way, a concern that’s plaguing most drivers nowadays. Company background: Chevrolet has made a name for itself with its global reach and its lineup of exceptional vehicles.

With over 3.5 million in sales around the world each year, Chevrolet’s prowess is evident in the fuel-efficient and reliable cars, SUVs and pickups that make up its fleet. Chevrolet is the name behind the highly successful performance cars, Camaro and Corvett, as well as the Malibu, Equinox and Traverse crossover SUVs.

All of these vehicles are equipped with the latest and most reliable technologies for the safety and security of their passengers and drivers.

Aside from the Volt, the company also offers the Cruze Eco. Although not an EV like the Volt, the Cruze Eco has unparalleled fuel efficiency and economy, which in turn translates to lesser carbon emissions.

Press Release

Chevrolet Volts Begin Shipping to Dealerships

The first Chevrolet Volts left the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant on Monday destined for initial retail launch markets. Customers in California, Texas, Washington D.C. and New York could receive the world’s first-and-only electric vehicle with extended-range capability in the next few days.

These are the first of 350 vehicles to be shipped this week.

The heart of the Volt is its Voltec electric propulsion system, which combines battery-only electric driving with an efficient, gas-powered engine giving the Volt up to 379 total miles of driving before having to recharge the battery or fill up the small gas tank. The Volt is the only mass produced U.S.-built electric vehicle.

Earlier this year, Chevrolet shipped 15 pre-production Volts to technology enthusiasts and electric vehicle advocates whom were the first consumers to experience the Volt every day under real-world conditions during a 90-day vehicle and charging evaluation program.

MotorTrend, Automobile and Green Car Journal each recently selected the Volt as their Car of the Year.